Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea » 111

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A/W Cover Andaman 1 1/1/32, 6:43 AM The “Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea”, is prepared by the Marine National Park Division,the Royal Forest Department, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand. It is designed to give tourists visiting Thailand basic information for each marine national park and to then be able to choose an appropriate destination suitable to their own requirements. The emphasis of the information is on ease of use and covers a priority of interesting resources and activities in the parks, including best time for visiting and expenses needed for the trip. It has been prepared by experienced professionals in marine national park tourism. However, since information might change, we recommend readers to contact the Royal Forest Department directly or search for more information from Internet websites such as www.forest.go.th, www.tat.or.th and www. TalayThai.com. The Royal Forest Department would like to thank all those interested in marine nature tourism in Thailand. We hope the handbook will be useful in proving to you the beauty of Thailand’s coasts.

Thank you Marine National Park Division, The Royal Forest Department, Thailand

Glossary : The most suitable time to visit islands in the Andaman Sea should be during November - May. Length of Stay - The recommended period of time for a visit, excluding travel time unless as a day trip. Cost - Approximate. Could be more or less depending on length of stay and type of trip. Central Telephone Number 66-2561-2918-21

220222200 « Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea

ª°Àπâ“„π Compared with terrestrial parks, (Yellow- stone National Park was declared in 1872), marine protected areas are a fairly recent phenomenon. In Thailand the first National Park was Khao Yai opened in 1961 and the first marine National Park, Khao Sam Roi Yot was created in 1966. But it was not until 1993 that Marine National Parks were managed separately from terrestrial parks. This recent interest in marine HAILAND conservation has derived largely from the realization

T that human influences on marine resources particu- larly in the coastal region, are having devastating

OF effects which threaten not only the resources but also the livelihood of many people who rely on them. Tropical marine ecosystems are very diverse and are represented in Thailand by such important

habitats as; Open water, Coral reefs, Seagrass beds, ARKS Mangrove forests, Soft sediment communities and

Beaches. These habitats are all particularly important P for many of the people of Thailand as they provide both subsistence and cash crop fisheries and other benefits, such as wood from mangrove forests. In addition, these ecosystems also contain a high biodiversity of animals and plants and form the basis for valuable tourism industries, with potential for ecotourism and education related activities. ATIONAL With great concern of valuable resources, the Marine National Park Division (MNPD) was

N established in 1993 by a reorganization of the National Park Division. All the national parks with a significant marine or coastal ecosystem was included in the new MNPD. At present, the division is responsible for

managing the 21 marine national parks, with a ARINE further 5 areas being in the process of establishing. Goals of Division M The Marine National Park Division was established to achieve the following objectives ; 1. To manage the Marine protected areas in accordance with the National Park act 1961. 2. To continually revise and update marine park management strategies for natural resource conservation and rehabilitation of marine ecosystems in the Marine National Parks. 3. To provide recreation, education and re- search opportunities within the parks in a sustainable fashion. 4. To undertake and utilise research to update management plans for each Marine National Park, independently.

Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea » 111 Ko Ree (Ko Satok)

Andaman Sea

Ao Sai Daeng Ao Jak

Ko Surin Nua

Park Ranger Station Ao Mai Ngam Ao Mae Yai Ao Sai-en

Park Ko Klang (Ko Pachumba) Headquarters Ao Mung Kon Ao Chong Ao Suthep Khad

Ko Hin Kaow Surin Tai

Ao Tao

Ao Pugkard

Ko Khai (Ko Torinla)

2«22 Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea Location Phang Nga Province Time to Visit December to May Place to Visit Ao Suthep, Had Mai Ngam,

ARK Sea gypsy village and

Ko Torinla P Travel Info. Take a boat from Kuraburi, Phang Nga. Daily service. 3-4 hours to the island by boat. Length of Stay 2 nights or a day trip by

speedboat from Kuraburi. ATIONAL Cost 4,000 Baht

Ecosystem Coral reefs, sandy beaches, N rocky beaches, and forests. Activities Snorkelling, SCUBA diving, trekking, swimming, bird watching, and cultural URIN

site visiting. S

Tel. No. (076) 491-378, O (076) 419-028-9

(076) 491-1582 K

U The best shallow water coral reef in

Thailand. There are more than 800 species of M fish recorded with specialties such as Whale Shark, Manta Ray, and Napoleonfish. It is a “should-not-miss” destination for snorkellers who would like to open the door to the underwater world of the Indian Ocean. Ko Surin also has tropical rain forest where many species of rare birds are found such as Large Green Pigeon and Beach Thick-knee. The well- organized nature trail of about 2 km. long allows you to take 2 hours adventure in the most diverse ecosystems on land (moist ever- green forest) and sea (coral reef).

Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea » 333 Ko Ba Ngu

Park Ranger Station

Ko Similan

Hin Pousar

Ko Payu

Park Ranger Station Ko Miang

Andaman Sea

Ko Payan

Ko Payang

Ko Huyong

4«44 Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea Location Phang Nga Province Time to Visit December to May. In other months, the park is closed.

ARK Place to Visit Ko Miang, Ko Similan,

SCUBA diving sites such as P Christmas point, Shark reef and Fantasy reef. Travel Info. Take a boat from Tab Lamu, Phang Nga. Daily service. 2-5 hours to the island

by boat. ATIONAL Length of Stay 2 nights or a day trip by

speedboat from Phuket N or Khao Lak. Cost 4,000 Baht Ecosystem Coral reefs, sandy beaches, rocky beaches, and forests.

Activities Snorkelling, SCUBA diving, IMILAN trekking, swimming,

and bird watching. S

Tel. No. (076) 595-045, O (076) 421-365

K

The ultimate SCUBA diving site in Thai- U land. The meadows of soft corals and sea fans combine to make this one of the most famous M dive sites in the world. Clear water, with visibility of 40 meters. Many strange-looking fish are to be found in the coral reefs, such as the Ribbon Eel and Silvertip Shark. Those interested in SCUBA diving should arrange visits with diving tours from Phuket or nearby provinces. For those staying on the islands, a snorkeling service is available. There is also a SCUBA diving service, though irregular in operation. On the main island, there is a nature trail about 385 meters long where you have the chance to see Nicobar Pigeon and Hairy Leg Mountain Crab living in the moist evergreen forest. The Similan Islands also have many beautiful and peaceful white sandy beaches.

Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea » 555 Ko Kho Khao

Had Bang Sak

To Mu Ko Similan Nam Tok Ton Chang Fah Nam Tok Lam Ru

Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park Headquarters

Tablamu Ferry

Phang Nga

Khao Lampee-Had Thaimuang National Park Headquarters

Andaman Sea

6«66 Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea Location Phang Nga Province

U Time to Visit All year.

Place to Visit Khao Lak, R

ARK Nam Tok Ton Chong Fah

and Nam Tok Lam Ru. P Travel Info. From Phuket, drive AM approximately 1 1/2 hours north to Takua Pa, the park is located next to the road. - L Length of Stay Day trip or 1 night

AK

Cost 500-1,000 Baht ATIONAL

Ecosystem Sandy beaches, rocky L beaches, and forests. N Activities Trekking, bird watching,

and swimming. HAO Tel. No. (076) 420-243

K The park is very easy to visit and suit- able for visitors from Phuket, who have limited time but wish to see Thailand’s forests. Khao Lak is different from other marine national parks because the highlights are the interesting forests, mountains, and waterfalls. There are many activities whilst trekking in the forests ; even elephant rides are an option. There are also nature trails next to the sea and cliffs. Visitors can choose from numerous package tours available in Phuket before taking a day trip. You may choose to stay at any of the many resorts located on a peaceful beach area near the park. These are cheaper than beach resorts in Phuket.

Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea » 777 Park Headquarters Takua To Phang Nga Thung

To Phuket Ko Pan Yi

Ko Thalu Ok

Ko Ra Ya Ring

Khao Phing Kan Khao Tapu

Tham Kaeo

Ko Hong

Ko Phanak

Park Ranger Station Ko Boiyai Ko Yao Noi Ko Lawa Yai

Ko Phuket Yao Yai 8«88 Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea Location Phang Nga Province Time to Visit All year. Place to Visit Mangrove Nature trail at GA

ARK Park Headquarters,

N

Ko Lawa Yai, Ko Panyi, P Khao Phing Kan, Tham Lot, Ko Hong and Ko Phanak. Travel Info. Take a boat from Phuket or one of the piers in HANG Ao Phang Nga. Daily service.

P

Length of Stay Day trip. ATIONAL

O Cost 1,000 - 3,000 Baht

N Ecosystem Coral reefs, mangrove A forests, karst, sandy beaches, and muddy beaches. Activities Sight seeing, cave exploration, canoeing, and historical site visits. Tel. No. (076) 412-188, (076) 411-136

Everybody who comes to Phuket wants to visit this area, famous as the location for a James Bond movie. The national park is full of limestone islands and mangrove forests. The amazing grottos and lagoons promote the po- pularity of sea canoeing. Visitors who don’t want physical adventure may take time admiring the scenic beauty by boat, and may stop at some of the islands to visit cultural sites. Ao Phang Nga National Park is a convenient tourist attraction and costs little in time or expense. Visitors can choose to travel around Ao Phang Nga from several boat services, which offer a range of prices and itineraries.

Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea » 999 Park Ranger Station

Ko Mai Phai Ko Yung

Laem Tong

Chao Lay Village

Ao Lolana Ao Lobakaw

Ko Phi Phi Don

Ko Nai

Ao Yong Ga Seng Ao Lodalum View Point

Ao Tonsai Ko Nok Had Rinkaew Ao Wanglong Had Yao Laem Por

To Krabi

To Phuket Tham Viking

Ao Mayha Ko Phi Phi Le

Ao Losama

10«1010 Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea Location Krabi Province Time to Visit Best from December - to May. Rest of the year

ARK has unpredictable wind

and rain. P Place to Visit Had Nopparat thara, HARA

Ko Phi Phi, Ao Mayha, T Ban Laempho Gastropod Fossil, Ao Pranang, and Ko Mai Phai.

Travel Info. Had Nopparat Thara is ATIONAL 18 km. from Krabi.

To Mu Ko Phi Phi, take a N boat from Phuket or Krabi. OPPARAT Daily service. HI

N

Length of Stay A day trip or 1-2 nights. P Cost 1,500 Baht

AD Ecosystem Coral reefs, sandy beaches, HI

rocky beaches and karst. H Activities Snorkelling, SCUBA diving, P trekking, rock climbing, O canoeing, and historical

K site visits.

U Tel. No. (075) 637-436,

(075) 637-200 M

The scenic limestone islands are world famous, and are the location of the movie “The Beach”. One of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand is found at Ao Pranang. A suitable destination for a honeymoon couple. For those interested in visiting Mu Ko Phi Phi, there are large ranges of boat services, which are conve- nient and fast. Variously priced accommodation can be found on the island. The park is also suitable for those who love adventurous activities like rock climbing and canoeing. You can also stay in Phuket and take a day trip to the islands. There are SCUBA diving services on the island.

Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea » 111111 Ko Lanta Noi

Ko Tala Beng

Ko Klang Ko Kam Yai

Ko Lanta Yai

Ko Bubu (Ko Nui Nok)

Ko Po

Ko Lek Had Khlong Hin Park Headquarters Ao Nui Laem Tanod Ko Mo

Ko Ngai

Ko Rok Nok

Park Ranger Station

Ko Rok Nai

12«1212 Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea Location Krabi Province Time to Visit All year. Best from November to May.

ARK

Place to Visit Laem Tanod, Ko Rok, ANTA

Ko Ngai, Hin Muang P

and Hin Daeng. L

Travel Info. Take a boat from O Ban Bo Muang or take a

ferry at Ban Hua Hin K

Length of Stay 2 nights. U

Cost 3,000 Baht ATIONAL Ecosystem Coral reefs, sandy beaches, M rocky beaches, and N mangrove forests. Activities Snorkelling, SCUBA diving, trekking, swimming, and cultural site visits. Tel. No. (075) 629-018-9

An eco-tourism destination of in- creasing popularity, Ko Lanta is a large island with roads and good facilities, such as banking. There are several private resorts offering a range of prices. In the park are caves and waterfalls, including nature trails through the rich forest. A panoramic view of the Andaman Sea can be observed from the island. Those interested in a visit to Ko Rok can hire a speed- boat from Ko Lanta (daily service). Ko Rok consists of beautiful sandy beaches and shallow water coral reefs. SCUBA divers should visit Hin Daeng, a site full of soft corals and a “Wall Dive” site where many large marine animals can be found. Visitors to Hin Daeng should organize a tour here from Phuket.

Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea » 131313 Ko Lo Lo

Nam Tok Angtong

Had Pak Meng Trang

Had Chang Lang Park Headquarters Ko Ngai

Tham Morakot

Ko Muk Park Ranger Station Had San

Had Yong ling Had Yao

Ko Kradan

Park Ranger Station

Ko Libong

Ko Lao Liang

14«1414 Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea Location Trang Province Time to Visit All year, but islands should be visited from

ARK December to May.

Place to Visit Had Chang Lang, P Ko Kradan, Tham Morakot, Ko Chueak and Ko Wan. Travel Info. 40 km. from Trang on a very good road. Take a boat from

Pak Meng to visit the ATIONAL several islands (1-3 hours).

Length of Stay 1 night or a day trip. N Cost 2,000 Baht Ecosystem Coral reefs, mangrove AI forests, seagrasses,

and sandy beaches. M Activities Snorkelling, swimming, canoeing, trekking,

bird watching, and HAO Dugong watching.

Tel. No. (075) 213-260 C

The largest beds of seagrasses in AD Thailand, and the habitat of more than 80

H Dugongs. Visitors may try flying overhead with ultra light aircraft to aerially observe the Dugongs. Those with limited budget may drive along the coast, visit quiet beaches, and walk the nature trails. For a change of atmo- sphere, try canoeing into the mangrove forest. Those interested can cross over to Ko Libong to go bird watching. This park also has beautiful sandy beaches and coral reefs. There is private accommodation on the islands. Another option is to stay in a hotel in Trang, and take a day trip with any of the several package tours in town.

Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea » 151515 Ko Rang Nok Ao Talo Wao Ko Takieng Ao Talo Udang Station Park Ranger Park Headquarters Station Park Ranger Laem Tun Yong Ko Tarutao Station Park Ranger Malacca Station Ao Phante Park Ranger Ao Makham Ao Son Na Pha Papiyong Ko Klang Ko Khai Ko Bitsi Station Ko Lipe Park Ranger Ko Adang Laem Son Ko Yang Ko Hin Ngam Station Park Ranger Ko Rawi Ko Dong

16«1616 Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea Location Satun Province Time to Visit December to May. In other months, the park is closed. Place to Visit Tham Chorakhe, Ao Son, ARK

Ao Talo Wow, P Ao Talo Udang, Ko Khai, Ko Hin Ngam, Ko Adang, and Ko Rawi. Travel Info. Take a boat from Pak Bara, Satun. Daily service. 2 hours to Tarutao Island, and 4 hours to Adang-Rawi ATIONAL Islands by boat. Length of Stay 3 nights. N Cost 4,500 Baht Ecosystem Coral reefs, mangrove forests, sandy beaches, rocky beaches, muddy beaches, and forests. Activities Snorkelling, SCUBA diving, ARUTAO trekking, swimming, T bird watching, and historical site visits. Tel. No. (074) 783-485, (076) 729-002-3

The largest marine national park of Thailand. Mu Ko Tarutao is separated into 2 parts. Tarutao Island is suitable for those who like mangrove forests and moist evergreen forests, and includes the history of the “Tarutao Pirate”. There are several nature trails passing through the forests and taking in the waterfalls. Boating into the creeks to see the abundant mangrove forest is another option. Adang- Rawi Islands are suitable for those who like beautiful white sandy beaches. There are many islets and shallow water coral reefs. Those interested in SCUBA diving should arrange visits with tour boats from Phuket.

Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea » 171717 Remarks

F/C

S/C

F/M F/M Waterfall

xB/F

xF

Geography

Cave & Cave

Cultural Site Cultural Historical & Historical xx

EA

Watching

S Bird

xxx

x

diving SCUBA Axxx

CTIVITIES Snorkelling

NDAMAN

= Landscape

L

A Canoeing

: A

AND

= Beach, Boat Hire Boat B

ARK

P Visitor Center Visitor

= Sea Grass,

S ACILITIES Restaurant

F ATIONAL Campsite

xxxx BB M/C

xxxx x AAx C/B xxxx AAx x C/B

xxxx xC x x x M/L xxx C x B

xxxx xBC/A

xxxx xCC L xxx xxxx x AAx xxF/M xxxx x x xxF/M

xxxx xBA x x C/L

OF

xxCxx xxC M

xxxx xC x xxF

N

= Coral Reef, Tent C

ABLE

T ARINE Bungalow

xx x xx xx xx xx xx

xx xx

xx x xx A xx xx xx xx xx

xx

= OK

C

M

= Mangrove,

M

= Good,

B

= Forest,

Parks

= Very Good,

Lam Nam Kraburi Mu Ko Payam Laemson Mu Ko Ra-Ko Pratong Mu Ko Surin Mu Ko Similan Khao Lak-Lam Ru Khao Lampee - Had Thai Muang Ao Phang Nga Sirinath Thanboke Khoranee Had Nopparat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi Mu Ko Lanta Had Chao Mai Mu Ko Phetra Tarutao Thaleban

A Remarks : F

181818 « Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea

Lam Nam Kraburi National Park . Ban Hin Chang, Tumbon Pak Nam,

O
Amphoe Muang, Ranong 85000 Mu Ko Payam National Park
(01) 229-0817 . N Laemson National Park

EL
(077) 824-224 Mu Ko Ra - Ko Pratong National Park Tumbon Ko Pratong, Amphoe Kuraburi,
Phang Nga 82150 & T Mu Ko Surin National Park Mainland (076) 491-378, (076) 491-582 Island (076) 419-028-9

ARKS Mu Ko Similan National Park Mainland (076) 595-045,

P
Island (076) 421-365 Khao Lak - Lam Ru National Park
(076) 420-243 Khao Lupee - Had Thai Muang National Park Tumbon Thai Muang, Amphoe Thai Mung,
Phang Nga 82120 ATIONAL Ao Phang Nga National Park

N
(076) 411-136, (076) 412-188 Sirinath National Park
(076) 327-152, (076) 328-226 Thanboke Khoranee National Park

ARINE
(075) 681-071, (075) 682-058 Had Nopparat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi

M National Park
(075) 637-436, (075) 637-200 Mu Ko Lanta National Park
(075) 629-018-9 Had Chao Mai National Park
(075) 213-260 Mu Ko Phetra National Park
(074) 783-008 Tarutao National Park Mainland (074) 783-485 Ko Tarutao (074) 729-002-3 Ko Adang (074) 724-012
Thaleban National Park (074) 729-202-3, (074) 728-700

Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea » 191919 The sea is a resource of the world. If

TO everybody helps protect the sea, it will be with

EAS us forever. The seas of the Indo-Pacific area are especially important as they contain the highest

S diversity of marine life in the world. All of the marine national parks in Thailand are located

HAI in this area.

INDNESS

T Do not buy any shells, animal remains, or animal products from rare species such as

K sea turtles, Giant Clams, and Giant Tritons. These animals are protected species under Thai Law.

OUR ROTECT Avoid eating rare sea animals such as sharks, Bowmouth Guitarfish, and

Y P Shovelnose Ray.

ELP Do not catch, touch, or collect sea

FOR

animals and shells. It disturbs animal behavior H and is against national park regulations under SK Thai Law.

A Do not fish or catch any sea animals

E by any means within the marine national parks. Strictly follow marine national park

W regulations. Inform the park officers if you observe any illegal action in the park. We thank all park visitors who help take care of Thailand’s natural resource and thus the world’s. We hope that everybody will be enthralled by the nature of Thailand and look forward to welcoming you again.

Remark : Local words meaning Ao = Gulf Had = Beach Hin = Pinnacle Khao = Mountain Khlong =Canel Ko = Island Laem = Cape Mu Ko =Archipelago Nam Tok = Waterfall Na Pha = Cliff Tham = Cave

202020 « Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea Under Thai Law, it is illegal to conduct the following activities in marine national parks. ; Occupy, build, or clear the land. ; Collect or take out any plants and animals, or harm anything. ;

Change the watercourse or stream, EGULATIONS block the watercourse, etc.

; Collect or harm any orchids, honey, R charcoal, bat guano, flowers, leaves, fruits, etc.

ARK ; Take any vehicles into undesignated areas. P

; Take off or land any aircraft in HE undesignated areas. T ; Take any pets or domestic animals into the parks. ; Do anything for profit, unless granted special permission. ; Post unauthorized signs or posters, or write graffiti. ; Carry any hunting equipment or weapons into the parks. ; Use firearms, explosives, or light fireworks. ; Make any loud noises that may disturb other visitors or animals. ; Drop litter or leave any ignitable matter.

Handbook of Marine National Park Tourism : Andaman Sea » 212121

ª°À≈—ß„π Designed By : GraphicFormat (Thailand) Limited. Tel : 0-2559-3342-4

Marine National Park Division HandbookThe of MarineRoyal National Forest Park DepartmentTourism : Andaman Sea 11 April, 2002 » 111

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